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Allsopp hangs up his boots

Jesse Hogan

ARCHIE Thompson and Adrian Leijer have been left as Melbourne Victory's last foundation squad members after the sudden retirement of Thompson's long-time strike partner, Danny Allsopp.

The 34-year-old today announced his retirement, effectively immediately, just a fortnight into the 2012-13 A-League season.

All three players had stints away from Victory — Thompson on loan to PSV Eindhoven in Europe, Leijer as a back-up player at Fulham in England and Allsopp in Qatar and then DC United in the United States — before returning.

The powerful target man rejoined Victory in December 2010 after a 15-month absence on a contract that was due to run until the end of this season. After scoring 36 goals in 89 appearances for Victory in his first stint Allsopp scored six in 29 in his second, for a total of 42 from 118 appearances.

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The former Socceroos striker, the league's Golden Boot goalscoring winner in 2006-07, today said it was "the right time to move onto the next chapter of my life".

"I'm extremely proud of what I have achieved throughout my career and football has allowed me to play in leagues across four different continents, including the English Premier League, and those experiences will stay with me forever," Allsopp said in a statement.

"There have been many highlights along the way, and obviously the great success we enjoyed will always stay with me, but I feel very proud to have been a part of such an exciting period for not only this club, but the A-League and our sport in Australia."

"His record speaks for itself and to do what he has done over such a long career is testament to his commitment and professionalism," Postecoglou said.

Allsopp will be presented to fans for the final time before the club's round-five match against Wellington Phoenix on Monday 5 November.

6 comments so far

Retired?I doubt it.He doesn't play the style of football that Ange requires and is too old to change.All respect to the man - he has played at many levels across the world since his humble beginnings at Knox City (the same club I played for as a kid!).He's a target man - like Josh Kennedy and Andy Carroll - a dying breed. I've been told by those who have met him that he is a lovely bloke - very friendly and approachable. He did the smart thing and left with grace, with his self-respect intact, and with fond memories by Victory fans.Best of luck big man.

Commenter

Robert Bishop

Location

Hervey Bay

Date and time

October 18, 2012, 7:51PM

Sad to see him go but 2 years overdue i think. Article should also mention he played for Manchester City in the late 90;s. The club where he consolidated his career. Good luck Danny boy.

Commenter

nearQ

Date and time

October 18, 2012, 8:03PM

Thanks Danny!! You are a champion!

Commenter

Lazor

Date and time

October 18, 2012, 8:03PM

Get the Heart. From what I have seen the Victory are a done deal.

Commenter

Luke

Location

Thornbury

Date and time

October 18, 2012, 9:25PM

Great work Danny and best of luck. And The Age, when are you going to change your tab name from 'Soccer' to 'Football' just like your cross town rival Herald Sun, the SMH, The Daily Telegraph, etc. What's the hold up? Please explain your tardiness please.

Commenter

It's Football

Date and time

October 18, 2012, 9:55PM

I have to question what is happening behind the scenes at Victory. They got screwed over by Harry Kewell again. They lost Hernandez Now into Round 3 and Allsopp retires. Did anyone wonder whether he was past it before the season commenced? The Victory list is very ordinary and they will struggle to make the finals. The way that Brisbane toyed with them last week would have shocked Ange. Archie Thompson is an overrated player who wastes a lot of opportunities and if supporters are waiting for him to do anything then they will be waiting for a long time. Wipe the board clean Ange and start again like you did at Brisbane.